Chapter 26: The Beginning of the End

Mizuki was confused.

She didn't know where she was, and when she got there. All she knew is she was laying on something soft, and she was in warm comfortable arms. She let her body lay limp for a while, enjoying the embrace much more then the weird restraining things that kept her from moving while she was sick. It was quite strange to her how everything went… Her grandfather had never explained to her that part and that's what made her even more creeped out. Soon, she began to remember the arms. They were something that she imagined shamefully wrapping around her in an embrace, and now it was happening. Shifting slightly, she fought down the blush that was starting to work its way heatedly up to her face.

"Mmmm, Naruto?" she finally questioned, coughing.

Her voice was scratchy and it hurt to talk, but at least she was able to. She felt herself lift up slightly and began to open her eyes, only able to squint at first. Though the light was heaven to her mind, it was hell to her eyes. Closing them again, Mizuki sighed, opening them not moments after. The sight she saw was breathtaking, so breathtaking that she had to mentally pinch herself. She hated this new side of her, and she wondered where it came from. There above her was Naruto, the one and only knucklehead. He seemed different however, more exhausted. He had slight bags under his eyes, and his eyes seemed harder, but he was swelling with happiness, she thought.

She stared up at him for a while, taking in the change. His headband was off, she noticed with a start. His golden hair had fallen into his face as he looked down at her, grinning cheesily. She liked it more that way, she thought. So was that stupid orange jacket… Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she groaned, realizing that that was not a good idea. Lifting up her head shakily, she placed it on her head, feeling a pounding headache coming on.

"Mizuki! You're awake!" Naruto yelled.

Great, yeah, but didn't you notice that from the beginning? Like… I don't know, when I opened my eyes? You did't have to tell me that.She thought bitterly, her headache not getting much better, if not worse.

"Oh really? I didn't notice." She retorted a bit harshly, wincing.

Hearing a familiar chuckle, Mizuki tilted her head back, noticing Jiriaya-sensei leaning against the wall with a smug smile on his face. Rolling her eyes, Mizuki hesitantly placed her hands on the bed, pushing herself up. She winced again, looking gratefully over to Naruto when he helped her lean up and then back against the headboard.

"What happened? What day is it? Why the heck is the door knocked down?" she asked, her eyes widening when she looked over at the door.

It had knocked on its hinges, laid out in the front part of their room. Naruto chuckled nervously, reaching behind his head to scratch his neck.

"You see… What had happened was…" he blabbered, going into a long incoherent speech, "And that's what happened!"

Blinking stupidly at him, Mizuki sighed, giving up. She wouldn't get anything out of him. Just then, she saw Tsunade come out of the bathroom, holding up a warm cloth. "Hey." She simply said when she reached her, placing the cloth on Mizuki's head.

Nodding slightly in recognition, Mizuki looked away, memories coming back to her, of what had happened when she woke up. I fought with Ryou… Not too long ago. That shows me how much I have to go to beat him. Not even Yoji-sensei's technique worked on him… This isn't good.

"Mizuki? Eh… Mizuki? Did you hear me?" Waving a hand in her face, Naruto look at her with concern, wondering what she could possibly be thinking about.

"Yeah? What is it?" she mumbled quietly, still a bit zoned out.

"Orochimaru is coming tomorrow."

Head snapping up painfully, Mizuki chocked on what seemed to be nothing. He's coming tomorrow? I haven't made up my mind yet! Wait… Naruto couldn't mean that. He doesn't know about me wanting to go to Orochimaru with Sasuke… Does he?

"W-what? What for?" she inquired, trying not to act suspicious.

"Pervy Sage said that he wants the old hag to heal his arms so that he can attack Konoha. But we're trying to talk her out of it." He whispered, looking back at Tsunade, who was looking out of the window longingly.

Naruto then jumped up, running over suddenly to Jiriaya-sensei. Turning away from him, she sighed. Mizuki knew what she was thinking about. Looking down at her hands, she noticed something shining in her view. Glancing at Naruto who was now annoying Pervy Sage, she grabbed the chains around her neck, lifting both necklaces out. She had just recently started to wear the one Tsunade gave to her, it brought back memories that she actually used to like, until now at least. But the other one was way more interesting to her.

The necklace that her mother had given her.

She looked at it often, hoping to have an encounter like she did before, where she saw her family. Was that even real? It didn't seem possible to see the dead but she wanted to believe so much that she did. She stared now just as longily as Tsunade, wishing the times of her past had transferred to her future.

"You still have the necklace?" a voice said.

Looking up, she saw Tsunade looking down at her, smiling softly. Her eyes looked dull and lifeless, but she still managed to smile. That was something that she remembered about her. It was good to know that everything didn't change for once. Nodding slowly, Mizuki lifted it up higher, moving it around so the light caught it perfectly.

"Yeah, I always keep it with me, even though it might not be on me." She whispered, closing her eyes for a moment to relish the silence they were all lapsed in.

But Naruto, being Naruto, had to ruin it, yelling at Jiriaya-sensei and practically dragging him out of the nonexistent door. She watched them leave, waving when they paused for a moment to do so. When they disappeared, she sighed, pressing the warm cloth harder onto her head. It felt really good, she noticed.

"I hear that Orochimaru is coming tomorrow." Mizuki said, bringing up the topic that she knew should be left buried. She had to get to the bottom of things, though, so she didn't let the opportunity pass.

"Yeah…"

"You're not going to do what he says, are you?"

Sighing, Tsunade rubbed her temples. "I don't know, its too hard of a decision. You understand what situation I'm in, don't you?" she asked, looking down at her almost pleadingly.

Mizuki nodded, not saying a word.

"Good. Then you know the predicament I'm in."

Another nod.

"And you know that I can't just let the offer slip away."

Another nod.

"But I can't just let him go and destroy Konoha! That's my home country, no matter which way I think about it. But I still can't let the offer go away."

"But… What of loyalty to your village?" Mizuki suddenly said. She wanted to talk about going to Orochimaru without her knowing, and this was the only way she saw that she could.

"You're right… Loyalty comes above all else… That's the way of the true shinobi." Tsunade said, laughing humorlessly.

Mizuki sighed. Thanks a lot. Now you're insulting me without even knowing it. Maybe going to Orochimaru isn't a good idea? I would betray everyone… Hinata-chan… Naruto… Would Gaara understand? Maybe I could visit him if I leave and talk to him about it…

As they sat in silence, she noticed that it was too quiet. Where was everyone? Surely anyone would have heard a door being slammed down and would have tried to get to the bottom of it.

"Hey, Tsunade, where is everyone?" she asked, looking up.

"Some annual celebration crap." She replied, not even glancing over at Mizuki.

Mizuki sighed and nodded, deciding to lie down. Now, as she lay down, she stared at the ceiling, feeling… bored. She hadn't felt that in a long time.

Well, maybe you should just go train.

Cheiko?

One and only.

Where have you been all of this time?

That's for me to know and you to never find out.

Fine, whatever, but why are you talking to me now?

I don't know. Maybe because you're bored? When you're bored I get bored and I hate being bored.

Oh…

Well go train already! I just told you I don't like to be bored. Make sure you've finished up the Rasengan and work on your Kunioki State or something for goodness sakes.

Rolling her eyes at such a weird demon she got, she looked up at Tsunade.

"I'm going to train." She said.

"No no no you're not. You have to stay in bed until you get your strength back." Tsunade said immediately, not seeming to even think about it.

Mizuki pouted and rolled her eyes. Just like old times.

"Please, Tsu-chan?" she asked, her eyes widening.

Tsunade's head snapped over to her, starring at her like a deer caught in headlights. Speechless, both females stared at each other, not knowing what to do. Mizuki felt weird… She had actually called her a name that she thought she would never use again. Before Tsunade could say anything, she jumped up and took off, not hearing anything from her.

Man, she must be really stunned. Not like I'm not…

Mizuki reached a secluded spot that wasn't swarmed with people, drinking sake, laughing, and enjoying life. Sighing, she closed her eyes, wondering how her body would react to suddenly training.

Better try out this Rasengan again, maybe perfect it some more…

Orochimaru's P.O.V.

Orichimaru smirked.

Everything was perfect. Kabuto had finished ahead of schedule, and their little pawn would be released in an hour. They were leaving soon, and that was just another plus. Once again, the well known snake ninja sat in his chair, fingers pressed together and snake-like eyes pointed in no particular direction. He predicted that in at most 2 weeks, he would have two little hard-working ninja's on his hands. One that would soon become his body, and another that would become his ultimate protector. He would mold them both into the best followers ever; it was hard not to. They were from the two best Clans in all of the great nations, and he has thrilled that he had the last two from them about to be in his filthy hands.

Leaning back in his seat, he smirked when four figures appeared in front of him, bowing in respect. These four, known as the Sound Four, were going to be Sasuke's reason to leave the Leaf Village. All he needed was Mizuki to make up her mind and he would be set. Just in time, Kabuto walked in, a hooded figure behind him. His head was down, casting a shadow and hiding his face from view. This animal… No, person would be convincing Mizuki to leave. She would go even without Sasuke, so if it comes to it, he'll have at least one pawn. Taking her as a body wouldn't be that bad either, but he'd rather have the Uchiha prodigy fill that seat. As his sick smirk remained plastered on his face, he got to his feet, looking down at them all before speaking his orders in his hissing voice.

"You four will need to start heading to the Leaf Village. Observe Sasuke, and gather whatever you can to make him tick. Stay in the shadows until the time is right. You," Orochimaru turned to the hooded figure, his smirk widening, "you will come with Kabuto and I. Stay hidden, and only let Mizuki aware of your presence – but make sure that it isn't enough to make the others notice. She will run after you, lead her away from the others. Then, you know what to do." After he received an apathetic nod in agreement, he stepped down, his eyes set on the exit.

While he walked, everyone followed him, making sure to keep their distance, but also keep their pace up. Orochimaru walked smoothly through the dark hallway, feeling good about things. If Tsunade healed his arms, then he would have his revenge on the Leaf and then he would be able to do things properly. Mizuki would be convinced and battle with herself until she got to the Leaf. And then, finally, Sasuke would be convinced, and they would sneak away from the Leaf, for what he hoped would be forever. He chuckled evilly to himself, startling his followers though they said nothing. Reaching his long fingers out, he stroked the wall that had appeared in front of them, making anyone else think they had reached a dead end. However, the rock moved slightly, and he pushed it effortlessly out of the way. Sun ran into the small dark cave, and they were outside. When everyone was out, the rock went back into place.

They walked silently for a couple of more minutes until they reached the forest, where they all should branch off into their separate destinations. That sick smirk still on Orochimaru's face, he turned around, his black hair lifting a bit in the wind before laying down again.

"This is where we part. Don't screw anything up or I will kill you. Understood? Good. Now go." Without waiting so much as any reply, he jumped off, Kabuto and the hooded figure behind him. The others paused moment as his words lingered heavily in the air, and then they as well jumped away. And so, the start of the end of the two lives in the Leaf Village began.

I love getting what I want.

Mizuki's P.O.V

Why am I here? Why am I wearing this? She thought as she looked around her at the lanterns hung up on shops and the colorful happiness whatever all around her. Somehow, Tsunade had changed lights when Mizuki came back and forced her into a blue kimono, bringing her with Jiraiya-sensei and Naruto to the celebration thing whatever.

"Just enjoy yourself, Mizuki. Let go of your anger and revenge-driven mind and just enjoy yourself. It won't hurt to have some fun, you know." Tsunade said, smiling at her.

Mizuki turned away quickly, trying to make it seem like she wasn't going to try and have fun. No matter how much she hated wearing the kimono with the overly large sash bow and makeup, she wanted to have fun. She hadn't felt this pretty since she was so much younger, and it brought back memories that reluctantly brought a small ghost of a smile to her face. Naruto laughed suddenly, causing her to jump and think that he had saw it. However, that was not the case. Instead, he had found a ramen shop and was overly excited, dragging Mizuki along with everyone else to the stand.

"Oh we just gotta get some ramen! I'm starving!" he yelled, making Mizuki's ears ring.

Sighing, she allowed herself to be pulled along like a rag doll, wanting this night to end so much. When they reached the ramen bar he sat her down beside him and ordered ramen for them both. Somehow, Tsunade and Jiraiya-sensei got away because they didn't follow them into the little booth to eat. She shook her head and wished that she had been as luck as they were, Naruto would probably ask her to pay and she didn't want all of her money to be gone because he ate enough to cover all she had in her wallet.

Next thing she knew, there was a bowl of ramen in front of her. Her stomach growled and she chuckled silently to herself, breaking apart her chopsticks and digging in. It wasn't nearly as good as Ichiraku's, but it still was pretty tasty.

"Not as good as Ichiraku's but it's still pretty good isn't it Mizuki!" Naruto exclaimed, already on his third bowl by the time Mizuki was done with her fist.

Gosh, he took the words right out of my mouth.

"Yeah, I guess so." She replied.

Once Naruto finished eating, they split the bill and left. Mizuki was happy that she still had quite a bulge in her wallet because she had thought that she wouldn't have anything at all. It still wasn't fair though… She had only ate three bowls… He ate over ten bowls and then would have ate more had she not had stopped him.

"So, where to now?" he asked her, clasping his hands together behind his head and strolling casually down the street with her.

Mizuki secretly wanted to go over to a booth and play some games like she did for her old festivals and the Konoha festivals, but she refrained from letting that side of her come back to life again.

"I don't care, you choose. Just don't pick something stupid, alright?"

Naruto seemed to ignore the last part of her words and grabbed her arm yet again, dragging her towards who knows where. As they ran, Mizuki looked down at their clasped hands; her pale, cold one connected with his tan, warm one. The thought of it brought a small blush to her cheeks and it didn't help that she could feel a couple of people looking at them, probably thinking that they were on a date.

A date… With Naruto…

Sighing, she was relieved when they stopped in front of a stand. It was a type of throwing stand where you throw a ball and make it into various targets, it seemed easy enough. The man behind the counter saw us curiously looking and smiled kindly. "Well hello there. I see that you're a little bit interested? Would you like to play for the little lady, boy? I'm sure that you could win her a nice stuffed animal or something. Boyfriends tend to like to show off when it comes to this." He told him, chuckling.

Naruto as well as Mizuki turned bright red, Mizuki the first to exclaim his misunderstanding. "We're actually not dating. He's only my teammate." She said quickly, glancing over at Naruto from the corner of her eye. She wasn't sure about the expression on his face, he had it screwed up into something unknown to her. A second later, however, he was back to his cheerful and loud self.

"I'll still win you something, Mizuki! It'll be nice to know that I can do something without messing it up." He said, teasing slightly.

"Hai hai, just don't take too long. With your coordination and skill you'll use up the rest of your money."

"Will not!" he exclaimed.

"Will too!" I said back boredly.

"Not!"

"Too!"

"Not!"

"Too!"

"NOT!"

"TO-"

"Well aren't you two just like an old married couple." The man broke in, laughing once again, "So, what'll it be? It's only 19 yen!"

Mizuki refrained from insulting the old man for calling them a couple, sighing and letting it slide. It would be useless to fight against it, it took up too much effort anyways. She knew that they weren't… together or anything, so she didn't need to get mad over him saying that they were. Naruto nodded and then took out the money, slamming it slightly on the counter. Once three balls were placed in front of him he smirked and tried to act cool, lifting up a ball and pulling it backwards.

"Alright, here we go! I'll definitely hit the mark!"

"I told you that you would hardly be able to hit the targets. You wasted all of your money just to get me this key chain!" Mizuki exclaimed chuckling and looking down at the small little keychain.

It consisted of a dragon, fox, and raven, something that she had saw and immediately fell in love with. It reminded her of Naruto and Sasuke, as well as herself. She saw herself as the fox, Naruto the dragon, and Sasuke the raven. Naruto was the dragon because he somehow got you to respect him. He had this hidden power to him that amazed Mizuki whenever she saw it. It brought a look of happiness to her face when she thought about how much he had grown in the past year. Sasuke was the raven because of not only his hair and eye color, but his intelligence. Sasuke has this sort of intelligence that you know is there, but you couldn't possibly know the full extent of it.

No matter what, you always can be surprised by his skill and power. She had been surprised many times in the past, like when they fought Haku and during the Preliminary and Final rounds of the Chuunin Exams. Oh yeah, thinking about the Chuunin Exams, I wonder if I was made a Chuunin.

Her power during that battle was evident, and she couldn't see why she wouldn't be made one. Maybe they were still pondering her maturity? Nah, she was pretty mature to begin with…

"Mizuki? Hey, Mizuki, stop zoning out like that, it's creepy." Naruto said, snapping her out of her trance.

Glancing up, she rolled her eyes and nodded none the less, wondering where they were now. She hadn't paid attention and hardly noticed that they had moved let alone went halfway across the long stretch of shops.

A bonfire?

Yes, most people do this to set off the end of the Festival. I've seen it in another lifetime… I'm sure that you'll enjoy it. Chieko said suddenly, almost making me jump in surprise. Almost.

Really? Oh, well thanks.

No problem.

Mizuki stood beside Naruto and stared into the flames of the bonfire, wondering what it would feel like to dance around it like she used to. She wouldn't dare do it now, but watching the others dance around it made her once again think of when she had done it herself.

"Let's dance, Mizuki!"

Head snapping to the side, Mizuki raised an eyebrow at Naruto, shaking her head. "No." she said simply, having no desire what so ever to dance. She didn't want to embarrass herself like that, let alone do that in the first place.

"Live a little! Just for tonight, please? I won't tell anyone and we can put this all behind us tomorrow. I will nag you all night if I have too!" Naruto exclaimed, tugging her hand and leading her towards the bonfire.

A part of her really wanted this so Mizuki allowed him to lead her towards the fire. It danced in her blue eyes and she let herself go for the first time in a long time. Looking once again at Naruto, she almost smiled, making his eyes widen a little bit. Hardly taking notice of this, she simply nodded and held out her hand again.

"Fine. Let's act like idiots for one night, Naruto."

Smiling cheesily, he nodded. Mizuki then started to repeat what she had done when she was younger; leap in the air and twirl around, following ancient tribe moves that she had learned. It was strange how it all just came back to her, like she had never missed it. Next thing she knew, people were clapping in time to Naruto and Mizuki's dancing, Naruto trying to keep up with her and not look like an idiot at the same time. Turning to him, she actually smiled genuinely, making his breath catch.

He had never seen her look so beautiful and alive. Her eyes were light blue and she really was smiling. Her arms were above her head and she twirled around, somehow keeping her eyes on him to make sure that he was keeping up. When they finally got tired they fell backwards onto the grass, causing everyone to clap and go back to doing what they were before. Yawning, Mizuki made Naruto scoot back out of everyone's way, lazily watching the fire crackle.

"This was a fun night. I've never really had this much fun before, so thanks for showing me a good time, even though you didn't intend to." Naruto said, chuckling and scratching the back of his neck.

"No problem, let's just get back to the hotel." She said, helping him up.

They ninja jumped back to the hotel and went to their room, opening the door and heading inside. Mizuki went into the bathroom and changed into some short shorts and a tank top for bed, waiting for Naruto to finish before coming back out. Sliding into her bed, she yawned once again and buried her head in her pillow, not able to keep herself from smiling at what had happened tonight.

"G'night, Naruto." She told him quietly, feeling drowsiness take over.

"Mmm night Mizuki." He said groggily before snoring.

Mizuki sighed at his snoring and shook her head in disgrace. Lifting up the keychain, she looked at it, smiling to no one in particular. Right now she did not care that she should have trained tonight, she did not care that she should make a decision to go to Orochimaru or not. All she cared about is that she really had fun tonight. She didn't want to ever forget this night…

"Thanks, Naruto." She whispered to herself before falling asleep.